Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Teens and Adults

Definition

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a series of steps to help a person who is not responding and has stopped breathing. CPR helps deliver oxygen rich blood to the body tissue when the body is not able to do this on its own.

Reasons for Procedure

CPR is given to a person who is not responding and has stopped breathing. Reasons for this may include:

The outcome will depend on the initial cause and how soon effective CPR was started. Many people are unable to regain a normal heartbeat after it has stopped.

Possible Complications

The goal of the CPR is to provide blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs until proper medical care can be given. The person is likely to die if CPR is not started immediately. Complications may include
fracture of the ribs
, broken teeth, infections, and puncture of the lung.

People with weakened bones have a higher risk of bone fractures from CPR. However, there is a greater risk of death if CPR is delayed or not done correctly.

What to Do

Prior to Procedure

When you see someone collapse or find someone unconscious, immediately check to see if the person is responsive. Tap the victim and ask: “Are you OK?” If the victim is unresponsive, follow these steps.

If you are alone, call for emergency medical services away. If someone is with you, have that person call for emergency medical services right away and get the automatic external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a device that delivers electric shocks to the person's heart.

If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR by doing chest compressions:

Place the heel of 1 hand palm down on the chest with the other hand on top.

Straighten your arms and lock your elbows. Begin pressing down in a straight motion. The compressions should be at least 2 inches deep.

Push hard and fast at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.

Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions.

Avoid interruption between compressions.

If you are trained in CPR, give 2 rescue breaths after 30 compressions. To give rescue breaths:

Open the airway by placing 1 hand on the forehead and lifting the chin with your other hand.

Gently tilt the head backward. Pinch the person's nose and cover their mouth with yours.

Breathe twice into his mouth until you see the chest rise. Breaths should be about 1 second each.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CorporateTraining/HeartsaverCourses/Heartsaver-CPR-AED-Online-Part-1%5FUCM%5F303283%5FArticle.jsp. Accessed November 20, 2012.